The Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) is a Mormon fundamentalist group that practices polygamy. The AUB was founded in 1929 by Lorin C. Woolley, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Woolley was a high-ranking official in the LDS Church and a close associate of LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith.
The AUB is one of the largest Mormon fundamentalist groups in the United States. The group has an estimated membership of 5,000-10,000 people. The AUB is headquartered in Bluffdale, Utah, and has branches in several other states, including Arizona, Idaho, and Montana.
The AUB is a conservative religious group that follows many of the same beliefs and practices as the LDS Church. However, the AUB is unique in its practice of polygamy. The AUB believes that polygamy is a divinely ordained institution and that it is essential for the exaltation of its members.
The AUB is a patriarchal society in which men hold the authority. Women are expected to be subservient to their husbands and to obey their husbands’ commands. The AUB also has a strict code of dress and grooming for its members.
The AUB has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. The group has been accused of child abuse, forced marriages, and other abuses. The AUB has also been the target of law enforcement raids.
Despite the controversy, the AUB remains a strong and growing religious group. The group continues to attract new members and to expand its operations.
History of the Apostolic United Brethren
The Apostolic United Brethren was founded in 1929 by Lorin C. Woolley, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Woolley was a high-ranking official in the LDS Church and a close associate of LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith.
In 1890, the LDS Church officially abandoned the practice of polygamy. However, many members of the LDS Church continued to practice polygamy in secret. Woolley was one of these men.
In 1929, Woolley organized a group of men who were interested in practicing polygamy. This group became known as the Apostolic United Brethren.
The AUB quickly grew in size. By the 1940s, the group had several hundred members. The AUB continued to grow in the following decades. By the 1980s, the group had over 1,000 members.
The AUB has continued to grow in recent years. The group now has an estimated membership of 5,000-10,000 people.
Beliefs and Practices of the Apostolic United Brethren
The AUB is a conservative religious group that follows many of the same beliefs and practices as the LDS Church. However, the AUB is unique in its practice of polygamy.
The AUB believes that polygamy is a divinely ordained institution and that it is essential for the exaltation of its members. The AUB also believes that the family is the basic unit of society and that it is important to have strong families.
The AUB is a patriarchal society in which men hold the authority. Women are expected to be subservient to their husbands and to obey their husbands’ commands. The AUB also has a strict code of dress and grooming for its members.
Controversy Surrounding the Apostolic United Brethren
The AUB has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. The group has been accused of child abuse, forced marriages, and other abuses. The AUB has also been the target of law enforcement raids.
In 2008, the AUB was raided by the Utah Department of Human Services. The raid was prompted by allegations of child abuse and neglect. The raid resulted in the removal of 11 children from AUB homes.
In 2011, the AUB was raided by the FBI. The raid was prompted by allegations of forced marriages. The raid resulted in the arrest of several AUB leaders.
The AUB has denied all allegations of abuse and neglect. The group has also denied that it practices forced marriages.
Conclusion
The Apostolic United Brethren is a controversial religious group. The group has been accused of child abuse, forced marriages, and other abuses. The AUB has also been the target of law enforcement raids.
Despite the controversy, the AUB remains a strong and growing religious group. The group continues to attract new members and to expand its operations.